Prevalence of trichostrongylid nematode in sheeps in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Parasitism of Trichostrongylid nematode is a world-wide problem for both small and large scale farmers and is a great threat to the livestock industry and also a major  constraint to the wellbeing and productive performance of ruminant animals. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Trichostrongylid nematode in sheep. The study was carried out in Aduwawa, Ugbiyokho, Oluku and Airport road in Edo State in 2015. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) sheep were examined for the present of gastrointestinal parasite. Sedimentation technique was used in examining the faecal sample for the presence of the GIT pararsites. The prevalence of eggs and larvae of H. contortus were 71.3% and 15.3%, Trichostrongylus species were 61.3% and 7.3%, O. ostertagii were 42.7% and 6.7% respectively. Among 150 faecal sample examined, 103 (68.67%) were found positive for Trichostrongylid infection. Grazing time, consistency of faeces and weight are factors having  significant impact on the infection in sheep. Sheep that graze in the evening had the highest prevalence (82%), faecal samples that were unformed had the highest  prevalence (85.71%) and sheep with weight range of 10kg-30kg showed the highest prevalence (97.96%). Chi-Square Test used to determine the relationships between age and location, had no significant impact on the prevalence of infection. These factors need to be considered in the control of trichostrongylid nematode infection but more emphasis should be given to improvement of hygiene, regular de-worming and frequent diagnosis of trichostrongylid nematode and management of infected animals.

Keywords: Age, Consistency of faeces, Gastrointestinal parasites, Grazing time, Sheep, Trichostrongylid nematode, Weight